Loch of the Lowes
1 / 10

Loch of the Lowes

4.6
·675 reviews·, United Kingdom

A premier Scottish wildlife haven, famous for its nesting ospreys and abundant red squirrels, offering scenic walks and watersports.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring to Late Summer

Osprey nesting season

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Loch of the Lowes

Loch of the Lowes

Best Time

Spring to Late Summer

Osprey nesting season

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier Scottish wildlife haven, famous for its nesting ospreys and abundant red squirrels, offering scenic walks and watersports.

4.6
(675 reviews)

"A must-visit for wildlife lovers, with incredible osprey views and charming red squirrels!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Limited food options on-site; bring your own snacks and lunch to enjoy by the loch.

Binoculars are Key 🔭

Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for distant ospreys and birds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Osprey Nest Viewing

Osprey Nest Viewing

Viewing Hides

Witness ospreys nesting and fishing in their natural habitat through well-equipped viewing hides.

Red Squirrel Feeders

Red Squirrel Feeders

Visitor Centre Area

Observe playful red squirrels at the feeders, a guaranteed delight for all ages.

Lochside Walks

Lochside Walks

Surrounding Paths

Enjoy scenic walks along the loch, with paths leading to nearby Dunkeld for a longer excursion.

Watersports on the Loch

Watersports on the Loch

Loch of the Lowes

Experience kayaking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming on the serene waters.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Osprey Nesting Season

Visit during osprey nesting season (spring to late summer) for the best chance to see these magnificent birds of prey. Check the visitor center for updates on their activity.

Wildlife Spotting Essentials

Bring binoculars and a camera for optimal wildlife viewing. While red squirrels and ospreys are common, patience is key. Pack a picnic as food options are limited.

Best Times

When
Spring to Late Summer
Why
Osprey nesting season
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more wildlife
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This time last week, we spent the aftenoon with the wonderful Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels team at Loch of the Lowes for a special event. After a brilliant talk about red squirels and the work of the project, the team lead a short guided walk to see what we could spot! A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year's Great Scottish Squirrel Survey and to those who joined us at Loch o...
scottishwildlifetrust
94 likes • 1.7K views

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Limited food options on-site; bring your own snacks and lunch to enjoy by the loch.

Binoculars are Key 🔭

Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for distant ospreys and birds.

The stunning St Mary’s Loch and Loch of the Lowes, just 30 mins drive from the pods. Our favourite spot for wild swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and walking. You can even hire kayaks and paddle boards from @superpoweredkayakandsuphire well worth a visit. #stmarysloch #lochofthelowes #scottishborders #scotlandstartshere #visitscotland #scotlandscenery #scottishlochs #scotlandtravels #scotlandad...
tweed_valley_pods
108 likes • 1.6K views
There’s something in the water … 📍Loch of the Lowes, Scottish Borders #paddleboarding #standuppaddle #Standuppaddleuk #jobe #yarra #sup #supscotland #stmarysloch #scottishborders #lochofthelowes #scottishlochs #watersports #getoutside
jadey.jaders
314 likes • 4K views

Check Osprey Updates 📸

Follow the Loch of the Lowes Facebook page for real-time nesting and activity updates.

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Ideal for exploring the walking paths around the loch and to Dunkeld.

The perfect spot for a daydream... warm up, wind down and breathe in the calm 🔥 Catch us this weekend ----> 🔥 Loch of the Lowes (St Mary's) - Sat 7th 🔥 Kirk Loch, Lochmaben - Sun 8th/Mon 9th #sauna #outdoorsauna #wildsauna #wildswimming #scotland #dgwgo #scotlandstartshere
wilddooksauna
31 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a Picnic 🧺

Limited food options on-site; bring your own snacks and lunch to enjoy by the loch.

Binoculars are Key 🔭

Enhance your wildlife viewing experience, especially for distant ospreys and birds.

Check Osprey Updates 📸

Follow the Loch of the Lowes Facebook page for real-time nesting and activity updates.

Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:

Ideal for exploring the walking paths around the loch and to Dunkeld.

Visit the Hides :camera_with_flash:

Three viewing hides offer telescopes for close-up views of ospreys and other birds.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(675 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Loch of the Lowes for its incredible osprey viewing opportunities and the chance to see red squirrels. The knowledgeable and friendly staff/volunteers enhance the experience, making it educational and enjoyable. While food options are limited, the natural beauty and wildlife make it a highly recommended destination for nature enthusiasts.

"Beautiful and serene. A great place for Twitchers and nature lovers. From sitting in one of the hides watching the Ospreys dive for their food, to sitting inside watching the wonderful array of songbirds and red squirrels that come to feed at the feeding stations. We found a peaceful spot off the nature trail and sat quietly drinking our flasks of coffee, just looking out over the water. It was lovely. The staff in the visitor centre are really friendly, each time we've been, a member has come up to the hide with us, showing us where to spot different things. All really enthusiastic about their roles. That in itself is such a breath of fresh air. Thoroughly recommend for a peaceful afternoon out."

Bobbi Belle

"Found about this gem through social media and glad I came. Small place for birdwatching but worth a visit. Staff are beyond helpful and are willing to help you try and see the birds when they make an appearance. Couldn't have asked for more. If you like walking there's a path into nearby Dunkeld which we enjoyed, even sighting a deer in the forest!"

LillaKaterina

"Fantastic place, with a large viewing window out to some feeders with a variety of birds and also a few red squirrels. There are three viewing hides that look out on to the loch and each has telescopes that you can use, so you can view the ospreys and any other birds that are there. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions you may have."

John Jamieson

What People Like

Amazing osprey sightings
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Abundant red squirrels

What People Dislike

Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Loch of the Lowes is accessible by car, with parking available. It's also a pleasant walk or cycle from the nearby town of Dunkeld, which has train and bus links. Instagram

Absolutely! Loch of the Lowes makes for a perfect day trip, offering wildlife spotting, walking, and watersports. You can easily combine it with a visit to Dunkeld. Instagram

From Edinburgh, you can take a train to Dunkeld & Birnam station, then enjoy a scenic walk or a short taxi ride to Loch of the Lowes. Driving is also a straightforward option. Instagram

While direct public transport to the loch is limited, you can reach nearby Dunkeld by train or bus and then walk or take a taxi. Instagram

Yes, cycling is a great option, especially from Dunkeld. The surrounding area offers beautiful routes for cyclists. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the loch and its viewing hides is generally free, though donations are appreciated. The visitor centre may have specific opening times and potential entry fees. Reddit

The outdoor areas and viewing hides are typically accessible during daylight hours. The visitor centre has specific opening times, which can vary seasonally. Reddit

While the loch itself is free to access, there might be a small charge or donation requested for the visitor centre or specific osprey viewing facilities. Reddit

Yes, you can access the loch and the viewing hides even when the visitor centre is closed. The hides offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Reddit

Generally, no booking is required for individual visitors. However, if you plan a group visit or a specific event, it's advisable to check in advance. Reddit

🎫 🛕 Onsite Experience

Loch of the Lowes is famous for its ospreys, especially during nesting season. You can also spot red squirrels, various bird species, and sometimes even a beaver. InstagramReddit

Knowledgeable volunteers and staff are often on hand to share insights about the wildlife and answer questions. Special events with guided walks may also be offered. InstagramReddit

There are viewing hides with telescopes, a visitor centre (check opening times), and picnic areas. Restroom facilities are usually available. Reddit

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for wildlife photography, particularly for ospreys and red squirrels. Bring a telephoto lens for the best results. InstagramReddit

Dogs are generally welcome, but it's important to keep them on a lead, especially around wildlife and nesting areas, to ensure the safety of the animals. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options are very limited on-site. It's highly recommended to bring your own picnic to enjoy at the designated areas. Reddit

The nearby town of Dunkeld offers several charming cafes, pubs, and restaurants for a meal before or after your visit. Reddit

Yes, picnic areas are available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature. Reddit

While there are no dining facilities directly at the loch, Dunkeld is within walking distance and has various eateries. Reddit

Dunkeld offers traditional Scottish pub fare, light lunches, and coffee and cake options in its local cafes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Ospreys are the star attraction, especially during their nesting and fishing activities. Red squirrels at the feeders are also popular subjects. InstagramReddit

A telephoto lens (300mm or more) is highly recommended for capturing ospreys. A wider lens can be useful for landscape shots of the loch. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, avoid using flash photography that might disturb the wildlife, especially nesting birds. Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography. This is also when wildlife is typically most active. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in wildlife reserves and near nesting sites to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Loch of the Lowes is a fantastic family outing! The chance to see ospreys and red squirrels up close is incredibly exciting for children. The viewing hides make it easy for kids to observe wildlife without disturbing it. InstagramReddit

Pack a picnic to make a day of it, and let the kids explore the walking paths. The relatively flat terrain around the loch is manageable for little legs. Consider bringing a small pair of binoculars for them to use, enhancing their wildlife spotting experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers

The walking paths around Loch of the Lowes offer beautiful scenery and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. The path to Dunkeld is a popular choice, providing a longer excursion with the reward of exploring a charming historic town. InstagramReddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varied terrain. The trails are well-maintained, but some sections might be uneven. Keep an eye out for woodland birds and other local fauna as you explore. Reddit

📸 Wildlife Photographers

This is a prime location for wildlife photography, especially for ospreys and red squirrels. Bring your longest telephoto lens to capture the action at the nest or the squirrels at the feeders. InstagramReddit

Be patient and respectful. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. The viewing hides provide stable platforms for your equipment. Remember to check for any specific photography guidelines to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Ospreys of Loch of the Lowes

Loch of the Lowes is renowned as one of Scotland's premier osprey viewing sites. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has been monitoring the osprey nest here for decades, providing invaluable data on their breeding success and behaviour. Visitors can observe the ospreys from dedicated viewing hides, equipped with telescopes that offer a close-up view of the nest, the adult birds, and their chicks during the breeding season (typically spring through late summer). The live webcam feed from the nest is also a popular feature, allowing continuous observation. Reddit

The conservation efforts at Loch of the Lowes have been instrumental in the recovery of the osprey population in the UK. Learning about their incredible migration patterns, from Scotland to West Africa, and back again, is a highlight for many visitors. The knowledgeable staff and volunteers at the visitor centre are passionate about sharing information about these magnificent birds, making the experience both educational and inspiring. Reddit

Remember to be quiet and respectful when observing the ospreys, as disturbance can impact their nesting success. The best times to see them fishing are often in the early morning or late afternoon. Following the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Loch of the Lowes social media pages can provide real-time updates on the osprey activity. Reddit

Red Squirrels and Other Wildlife Encounters

Beyond the ospreys, Loch of the Lowes is a haven for red squirrels. These charming creatures are frequently seen at the feeders near the visitor centre, providing delightful photo opportunities and a chance for close encounters. Their energetic antics and bushy tails are a joy to watch. InstagramReddit

Visitors have also reported sightings of beavers in the area, adding another layer of wildlife intrigue to the loch. The surrounding woodlands and wetlands support a diverse range of birdlife, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for various waterfowl on the loch and woodland birds in the trees. Reddit

The walking paths around the loch offer opportunities to spot other native wildlife and enjoy the serene Scottish landscape. The presence of these varied species underscores the ecological importance of Loch of the Lowes as a protected natural habitat. Reddit

Activities and Recreation on the Loch

Loch of the Lowes isn't just for wildlife watching; it's also a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The calm waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming. Rental services for kayaks and paddleboards are available nearby, making it easy to get out on the water and experience the loch from a different perspective. Instagram+1

The surrounding area offers scenic walking trails, including a path that leads to the historic town of Dunkeld. These walks provide beautiful views of the loch and the surrounding countryside, and are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. InstagramReddit

For those seeking relaxation, the tranquil atmosphere of the loch is perfect for a picnic or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. The opportunity to combine wildlife observation with active pursuits makes Loch of the Lowes a versatile destination for nature lovers. Instagram

You may also like